| Veranstaltungen
im Wintersemester 2004/2005 |
Einführung
Kulturstudien
Introduction
to Critical Thinking: Analyzing Major Issues in American Popular Culture
Mi 9-11 h |
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Among the skills needed for
literary and cultural studies, critical thinking practices are of
fundamental importance. This class will introduce students to the
basic analytical tools needed for approaching the various academic
tasks awaiting them in their studies. It will focus on the field
of American popular culture and will invite students to effectively
investigate the texts they study by paying close attention to textual
strategies, rhetoric, and hidden assumptions. – Prospective
participants should be aware that a significant amount of reading
will have to be done during the entire semester. Active and informed
participation is a basic requirement, and the semester's work will
have to be documented in the form of a portfolio. The textual material
required for this course will be announced at the beginning of term.
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| PS
Kulturstudien
The
Study of a Region: Culture and History in Tennessee
Di
9-11 h
|
| |
Now that Magdeburg has signed
a sister city agreement with Nashville, it seems appropriate for
students interested in American Studies to develop a more accurate
understanding of the historical and cultural context of Tennessee,
the state in which Nashville is located. This course will provide
a study framework that includes a range of topics covering diverse
issues of historical and contemporary relevance: Ethnic groups,
music, religion, major historical figures and more. – As usual,
students signing up for this class must be prepared to invest time
and energy into their weekly preparation. There will be both oral
and written assignments. |
HS
Literaturstudien
Journalism
and Imaginative Writing in the USA
Do 9-11 h |
| |
The history of American literature
is closely linked with the history of journalism in the USA. Many
American writers began their literary careers as reporters on more
or less prominent newspapers, which supplied them with the financial
basis for their artistic endeavors. This class will encourage students
to understand the connection between writers like Ambrose Bierce,
Sui Sin Far, Abraham Cahan, Stephen Crane, Mark Twain and the newspapers
and magazines that published their work – a relationship that
has had important consequences for American literature and American
culture alike. – Due to the nature of this topic, participants
will have to deal with a significant amount of reading that will
be assigned on a weekly basis. Active and informed participation
and shorter writing assignment are additional requirements for a
"Schein." Required reading will be announced by the beginning
of term.
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HS
Kulturstudien
The
Press in the USA: Historical and Cultural Issues
Di 11-13 h |
| |
Protected by the First Amendment
and celebrated as the "nation's watchdog," the press has
always performed important functions in America's political and cultural
life. Contemporary events connected with the United States' domestic
and foreign policy have focused public attention once again on the
American press, initiating new debates about the role of American
newspapers and magazines in American life. This class is designed
to address major issues of the American press system. It encourages
students to develop a general understanding of the phenomenon and
to gain insight into the functions and responsibilities of historical
and contemporary communications institutions. – Students wishing
to sign up for this class must be willing to work on a variety of
oral and written assignments throughout the semester. It is highly
recommended that students familiarize themselves in advance with the
general aspects of the subject. Study material will be made available
by the beginning of term. |